The Gabonese government has announced that it will host the 16th Port State Control Committee (PSCC16) meeting and the 6th Ministerial Conference of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding (Abuja MoU) from September 21-25, 2026. The events will take place at the Omar Bongo Ondimba Congress Palace in Libreville, under the theme "From Policy to Practice: Building a Resilient Port State Control Regime Prepared for the Future." The conference is organized by the Ministry of Transport, Merchant Navy, and Logistics, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Merchant Navy.
The PSCC16 meeting and Abuja MoU Conference will bring together representatives from 22 member states, maritime authorities, experts, and sector partners. The five-day event will feature technical sessions on port state control activities, harmonization and improvement of the control regime, and the Abuja MoU Information System (AMIS). Discussions will also focus on technical cooperation, external relations, and emerging issues in port state control. The conference aims to strengthen maritime safety, security, and environmental protection in the region.
The Abuja MoU, signed on October 22, 1999, under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is a framework for cooperation between maritime administrations in West and Central Africa. The agreement aims to harmonize control procedures and practices, combat substandard shipping, and promote maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. The MoU also seeks to improve working and living conditions for seafarers.
During the conference, participants will review the activities of port state control by member administrations, discuss ways to improve the control regime, and examine the AMIS. The second phase of the conference, from September 24-25, will feature the celebration of World Maritime Day. On this occasion, the Abuja MoU Secretariat will present a report on the progress of port state control activities and an overview of the MoU's 2025-2029 Action Plan.
The Abuja MoU Secretariat will also proceed with amendments to the MoU text, as adopted by the Committee, and designate the next presidency of the Abuja MoU. The conference is expected to strengthen regional cooperation and coordination in port state control, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure maritime environment.
The events are organized by the General Directorate of Merchant Navy, under the Ministry of Transport, Merchant Navy, and Logistics. The conference will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss key issues and challenges in port state control, with a focus on building a more resilient and effective regime.
The PSCC16 meeting and Abuja MoU Conference are significant events that demonstrate Gabon's commitment to regional cooperation and maritime safety. The conference will conclude with a better understanding of the current state of port state control in the region and a clear plan for future actions.
Key points
- The conference will focus on building a resilient port state control regime prepared for the future.
- The Abuja MoU aims to harmonize control procedures and practices, combat substandard shipping, and promote maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
- The conference will bring together representatives from 22 member states, maritime authorities, experts, and sector partners.
